Late goal condems Timão to home draw at new stadium

Corinthians dominated Botafogo for much of Sunday’s Serie A match but lost a late goal and were forced to share the points in a 1-1 draw. However, the point still means that Corinthians go into the World Cup break in third place in the league, behind Cruzeiro and Fluminense.

Sunday’s match was the second to be played at the Arena Corinthians, the stadium that will host the World Cup’s opening match on June 12. It was a scrappy game with few chances in the opening spell. Romarinho had a shot blocked after the quarter hour and then Walter made a fine save from Botafogo’s Ferreyra midway through the first half.

A few moments later Corinthians fans were able to celebrate their first goal at their new stadium. Jadson cut in from the right, sold Bolatti a nice dummy and then curled a lovely left foot shot into the corner of the net.

The goal gave the home side a confidence boost and they twice came close to doubling their lead before half time. Bruno Henrique just missed getting on the end of a Paulo Guerrero cross right in front of goal in the 33rd minute and then eight minutes later he saw Renan stop his shot from just outside the box.

The second half started well for Botafogo, with Wallyson bringing out a fine save from Walter in the 54th minute. But Corinthians were taking a grip on the match and should have sown it up before Botafogo got their late equaliser. Petros had a nice shot palmed away by Renan after the hour and two minutes later the keeper thwarted Jadson from getting a second.

With four minutes left on the clock Edilson cut in from the right and sent in a low shot-cum-cross. Cleber tried to block it but only succeeded in diverting it past Walter.

The result leaves Corinthians with 16 points after nine games. The Serie A now takes a break for the World Cup. The Timão’s next match will be at home to fifth-placed Internacional on July 16.

CORINTHIANS 1-1 BOTAFOGO
Arena Corinthians, Brazilian Serie A 2014

Corinthians: Walter; Fagner, Cleber, Gil and Fabio Santos; Ralf, Bruno Henrique, Petros (Zé Paulo) and Jadson (Renato Augusto); Romarinho (Luciano) and Guerrero. Manager: Mano Menezes.

Botafogo: Renan; Lucas (Daniel), Bolivar, André Bahia and Júnior César; Airton (Jorge Wagner), Bolatti, Adílson and Zeballos; Wallyson (Gegé) and Ferreyra. Manager: Vagner Mancini.

GOALS

Corinthians: Jadson 23

Botafogo: Edílson 89

YELLOW CARDS

Botafogo: Airton, Edílson and Ferreyra

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